How far in advance should I order shiva food?

Most kosher caterers in Toronto and Montreal need 24 to 48 hours' notice for a shiva order. Some accept same-day orders if they have capacity. Order as soon as the funeral details are set so the food arrives on time and the family is fed throughout the week.

How much food should I order for a shiva?

A typical shiva meal feeds the immediate family plus visitors who drop in. Most caterers offer shiva-specific packages portioned for 8 to 20 people. If you are coordinating multiple meals across the week, use a meal sign-up tool to avoid overlap and gaps.

Do shiva caterers offer kosher options?

Yes. The Neshama directory includes certified kosher caterers in Toronto (COR-certified) and Montreal (MK-certified through Vaad Hair), as well as non-kosher options for families without dietary restrictions. Filter the directory by city and kosher status.

What's the typical minimum order for a shiva caterer?

Minimums vary by caterer. Many have a minimum dollar amount (often $100 to $250) or a minimum number of servings (often 8 to 12). Smaller orders may be possible during off-peak times. Ask when you call.

← Back to feed / Organize a shiva

Trusted local caterers for shiva meals

Local kitchens experienced with shiva meals in Toronto and Montreal. Kosher and non-kosher options. Free to browse.

Before you call. Most caterers need 24 to 48 hours' notice and have a minimum order. Mention it's for a shiva. Many have shiva-specific menus and packages. Read the full guide to ordering shiva food.

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Directory curated by Neshama. Updated April 2026.

What shiva caterers do differently

A shiva is not a dinner party. The family is sitting through seven days of grief and visitors. Meals need to feed the household plus the people who drop in. Food has to keep well, reheat easily, and not require the family to do anything but eat.

Caterers experienced with shiva orders know this. They portion for groups, pack with disposable serving ware, and deliver to the door so the family is not running errands during shiva. Many have shiva-specific packages with mains, sides, salads, bread, and dessert priced together.

In Toronto, kosher caterers in this directory are certified by the Kashruth Council of Canada (COR). In Montreal, kosher caterers are certified by Vaad Hair (MK). Non-kosher options are also listed for families without dietary restrictions.

Choosing the right caterer

Five questions to ask when you call:

Lead time. 24 to 48 hours is standard. Some accept same-day if they have capacity.
Minimum order. Many caterers have a minimum dollar amount or a minimum number of servings. Ask before you build the menu.
Delivery vs pickup. Most caterers deliver within their city, often free above a threshold. Confirm the delivery zone covers the shiva address.
Disposable serving ware. Ask for paper plates, plastic cutlery, and napkins. The family should not be washing dishes during shiva.
Tell them it's a shiva. Caterers who handle these orders regularly may have shiva-specific menus, and they will know what's appropriate for the meal of consolation.

When in doubt, go certified kosher. A certified kosher meal works for every level of observance. If you're unsure of the family's dietary needs, kosher is always safe.

Coordinating with friends so nothing overlaps

The biggest challenge with shiva food is rarely finding it. It's making sure the right amount arrives on the right days. Three kugels on Monday, nothing on Wednesday, the family eats the same casserole four nights in a row.

The fix is one shared sign-up so everyone can see what's already covered. Friends pick a meal, the family doesn't have to track anything, and the week stays fed without overlap.

Coordinate before people start cooking. Neshama's meal coordination tool sets up a shared sign-up in about three minutes. Share the link in the same message you send shiva visiting hours.

Coordinate the meal sign-up Set up a shared schedule so friends can sign up for specific days and meals. Read the full guide What to order, what's traditional, and how much food a shiva actually needs. Other ways to help Gift baskets, memorial trees, and ways to support a family beyond food.

Are You a Caterer?

If your business regularly prepares meals for shiva houses and you'd like to be listed here, we'd love to hear from you.

Become a Partner Caterer

Planning meals yourself? Read our guide to coordinating shiva support.

Neshama provides this listing as a community resource. Listed caterers are independent businesses. Neshama does not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the quality, safety, or delivery of any products or services. Please verify dietary certifications and requirements directly with the caterer.